Golf: Molinari leads at HSBC; Tiger 3 back

SHANGHAI -- Lee Westwood spent his career trying to be No. 1. The way he played Thursday in the HSBC Champions, it doesn't look as though he wants to give up his prized ranking after just one week.

Even as Francesco Molinari of Italy made a charge to a 7-under 65 for a one-shot lead, the focus in the final World Golf Championship of the year quickly shifted to what could be a prolonged battle for No. 1.

In his debut as the top-ranked player, Westwood birdied some of the toughest holes at Sheshan International and showed hardly any signs of rust from playing in his second stroke-play tournament in three months. He finished with consecutive birdies for a 66.

Two shots behind Westwood was Tiger Woods, without his No. 1 ranking for the first time in more than five years. Woods made a most improbable par from behind the bushes with a 4-iron he had to aim away from loose tree roots, which proved more satisfying than the three straight birdies that sent him to a 68.

Not to be forgotten is the defending champion, fourth-ranked Phil Mickelson, who rallied for a 69. PGA champion Martin Kaymer, the No. 3 player, opened with a 72. Any of those four could go to No. 1 this week at the HSBC Champions, and it could just be getting started.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Defending champion John Cook shot a 7-under 64 at Harding Park to take the first-round lead in the Champions Tour's season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Cook, the winner last year at Sonoma Golf Club, had a one-stroke lead over Fred Funk and Tom Pernice Jr.

Tom Lehman opened with a 66, Schwab Cup points leader Bernhard Langer topped a group at 67, and Fred Couples had a 69. Couples needs to win to catch Langer in the two-man race for the $1 million annuity.

Even if Couples wins, Langer would take the top prize with a two-way tie for fourth or better.

Cook birdied six of the first 12 holes, making four in row on Nos. 9-12, also birdied No. 16 and overcame an errant approach shot on No. 18 to save par and keep the lead.